The 13th edition of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Exhibition officially opened at South Africa’s Air Force Base Waterkloof in Tshwane on Wednesday, bringing together government officials, military leaders, international delegations and representatives of the global aerospace and defence industry.
The five-day exhibition, which marks 25 years of AAD, is being held under the theme “Africa’s Gateway to Defence and Aerospace Collaboration”, with a focus on technological innovation, industrial development, skills and international partnerships.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior government and military officials, defence attaches, industry executives, academics and representatives from the international aerospace and defence community.
Welcoming participants to Tshwane, Executive Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise highlighted the potential of the exhibition to generate broader economic and development opportunities for the city and South Africa.
Modise affirmed the importance of connecting young people with opportunities in engineering, science, technology and innovation, while strengthening Tshwane’s position as a platform for international expertise and African technological development.
In turn, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans General (Ret.) Bantu Holomisa emphasized the importance of partnerships in strengthening South Africa’s defence and aerospace capabilities.
He further highlighted cooperation among government, industry, academia and international partners as a key component in advancing technological development and building industrial capacity.
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga, who officially opened AAD 2026, described the exhibition as an important platform for showcasing South African innovation, developing strategic partnerships and strengthening the country’s defence industrial capabilities.
Motshekga also highlighted the importance of research, engineering, local manufacturing and skills development, particularly in creating opportunities for young scientists and engineers.
The exhibition places aerospace and defence technology, industrial cooperation and innovation at the centre of discussions involving South African and international stakeholders.
AAD 2026 is expected to provide opportunities for participating companies and institutions to showcase technologies, explore partnerships and engage with potential markets across Africa and beyond, while highlighting the continent’s growing ambitions in aerospace and defence-related industries.
